Alabama

Honor thy mother

Many mothers and daughters have always been close, but social, demographic and technological changes have made it more common for adult daughters to keep their mothers' apron strings tied tighter -- and for longer, say researchers who study the transition into young adulthood, The New York Times reports.

"Today, it is not unusual for unmarried middle-class women in their 20s or 30s to share with their mothers the diary-worthy details of their lives, plan weekly outings with them and call the Mommy Batphone when they need backup," Stephanie Rosenbloom writes.

And while some mothers are gratified by such closeness, Rosenbloom reports, some psychologists question how healthy it is.